New James Bond to be "very young" as Amazon eyes retro reboot

The James Bond franchise may be heading in a new direction, with reports suggesting that the next 007 will be played by a younger actor and set in a retro 1960s world.

The speculation comes amid a major shake-up in the Bond universe. Last month, longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson—who have overseen the franchise for over six decades—stepped away from the creative process, handing control over to Amazon. With their departure, questions have been swirling about how the iconic spy series will evolve.

British actor Daniel Mays (Rogue One, Ashes to Ashes) added fuel to the speculation during a recent appearance on the We’re Not Getting Any Younger podcast. "Bond is a big deal, right, now that it’s going to Amazon," he said. "I heard a rumor they’re going to cast someone very young and go back to the origins." He further suggested that the new film could be set in the 1960s, featuring classic cars and a vintage aesthetic, essentially rebooting the franchise from the ground up. "I think that would be kind of cool," he added.

So far, no official casting, plot details, or release date have been announced for the next Bond film. However, Amy Pascal and David Heyman, known for their work on the Spider-Man and Harry Potter franchises, have been confirmed as the new producers taking over from Broccoli and Wilson.

Meanwhile, former Bond star Pierce Brosnan has dismissed any speculation about his return to the franchise, stating that he would rather play Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter than take on the role of M in a new Bond film. His Mob Land co-star, Dame Helen Mirren, also weighed in on the franchise, calling it "born out of profound sexism" and revealing that she has never been a fan of the spy series.

With Amazon now in charge, the future of 007 remains uncertain—but a fresh, youthful take on Bond in a retro setting could be a bold move to revitalize the franchise for a new generation.